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Rep. Meeks Statement on Tillerson Firing

"I remain convinced that the disconnect between President Trump and his most senior advisors does immeasurable harm to our national interests at home and abroad..."

Rep. Meeks Statement on Tillerson Firing

Washington, D.C.—Senior Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, released the following statement on President Trump ousting of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson:

“The sudden firing of Secretary of State Tillerson is concerning though not surprising coming from President Trump, who revels in conducting the government in the most chaotic manner possible. I’m on the record asking Secretary Tillerson how he is able to conduct diplomacy and advance U.S. foreign policy interests with such obvious disconnect and discord between him and the President of the United States. Tillerson was never able to adequately answer that question, and I remain convinced that the disconnect between President Trump and his most senior advisors does immeasurable harm to our national interests at home and abroad.

“Tillerson’s firing comes as the State Department is hemorrhaging talent and morale is low. At the same time, President Trump’s incongruent foreign policy includes his intention to conduct direct talks with North Korea while threatening to undermine the Iran deal, and threaten a trade war with our allies while asking NATO nations to deepen their commitment to the alliance.

“This firing and all that it entails exemplifies why Congressional oversight is crucial in the face of a White House that is focused on the whims of a fragile and temperamental President rather than the needs of the nation.”